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TENNESSEE 

The New Land of Canaan 





f^ctsabb\jtSoil/Cliinate^nd Rainfall 



PUBLISWED BY THE 



DE P ARTM E NT QF' AGR I CULTURE 
STATE OF TENNESSEE 

H. »<'fBRYS,QlS,C^MM?ssiONEH i^ 

NASHVILLtS - C TENNESSEE^*^ 



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TENNESSEE 

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The Land of Great Farming Opportunities 



Facts About Soil, Climate 
and Rainfall 




^*vvv\Ji/VijUL PUBLISHED BY THE 

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

STATE OF TENNESSEE 

H. K. BRYSON, Commissioner 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 






Po O^ ^* 

MAY 13 1918 








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AGRICULTURAL 

MAP OF 
TENNESSEE 

SHOWING 

TYPES OF SOIL 



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UNAKA nOUNTAIHt NIGMIAND RIM WttTTIHNtSdl CUMIERLANO 

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TENNESSEE 

The Land of Great Farming Opportunities 

Tennessee is one of the few states that contain within their 
own boundaries everything essential to the welfare and happi- 
ness of man. A wall could be erected on its boundary lines, and 
communication with the outside world cut off, yet the human 
family residing within its borders would find all essentials to 
livelihood within the valleys and hills of this bountiful State. 
It has minerals in abundance, and the soils will produce anything 
grown in these United States, except tropical fruits; and live 
stock thrives as in but few sections. 

Great opportunities exist in this State for the farmer who is 
willing to work and who has some capital to start with. 

SOILS 

In order that one may intelligently consider the opportunities 
ofTered the new settler, we will try to state briefly and frankly the 
character and fertility of the various soils located in Tennessee. 

For ready reference, a soil map of the State is inserted. 
The Tennessee River divides West Tennessee from Middle 
and the Cumberland Mountains Middle Tennessee from East 
Tennessee. Each area has different soils, and we will undertake 
briefly to outline these: 

West Tennessee 

The soils in this area were nearly all derived from geo- 
logical deposits which were not consolidated into rock. The 
lands lie better as a whole for cultivation and can be more 
completely put under the plow than elsewhere in the State. 
The majority of the soils are silt loams, which are adapted not 
only to a great variety of general farm crops, including cotton 
and tobacco, but to trucking crops, and to the production of both 
large and small fruits. Over large areas they have become 
greatly impoverished by constant corn and cotton cropping. 
Although the country is only gently undulating, the soil is of 



such a silty nature that it washes away easily and to a ruinous 
extent, unless carefully protected. 

Along the Mississippi River are very rich alluvial lands, sur- 
passing in durability and productiveness any others in the State. 
Tile drainage is often needed, and in at least one county, Obion, 
it has been found necessary and highly profitable over large areas. 

Chemical Analyses of West Tennessee Soils 

Phos. Acid Lime Potash Nilroiien 

County % % % % Remarks 

Carroll 08 .17 .22 . 101 Old land— Good. 

Carroll .05 .11 .33 .018 Subsoilto above. 

Chester .11 .19 .20 . 087 Old land— Medium. 

Dyer .09 .17 .2,5 .059 Old land— Poor. 

Gibson .07 .16 .21 .099 Old land— Medium. 

Gibson .07 .11 .26 Subsoil to above. 

Gibson 09 .23 .23 .131 New land— Good. 

Hardeman .09 .23 .35 .09 Old land— Medium. 

Henderson .08 .17 .21 .091 Old land— Poor. 

Henry 08 .15 .23 .072 Old land— Poor. 

McNairy 06 .11 .21 .097 Old land— Poor. 

Obion 10 .40 .29 .132 Old land— Rich. 

Weakley 08 .21 .21 .120 Forest land— Good. 

Weakley 07 .11 .30 .017 Subsoil to above. 

Weakley 09 .16 .28 .093 Old land— Good. 

General Conclusions from Analyses 

Phosphoric Acid: The soils should be considered as liable 
to be deficient in this element. 

Lime: Although not derived from limestone rock, the lime 
content of these soils is even superior to that from some of the 
limestone areas. They must be looked upon, however, as only 
moderately well supplied, so that liming would be expected to 
give beneficial results. 

Nitrogen: Nitrogen percentages are medium for virgin soils, 
but the worn lands have as a rule become decidedly deficient. 
The Obion County soil, on account of its superior depth, is well 
supplied with this and the other important constituents. 

Potash: Experiments in this section warrant the use of lime 
and nitrogen, but potash is much less required. 

In order that the reader may intelligently consider the above 
analyses, we give on page 6 average analyses of the soil classes 
from Rich to Poor. 







Scenes at West Tennessee Experiment Station, Jackson 
A Tennessee Holstein 



Table I — A classification of soils based on chemical composition 
according to Wohltmann 

Constituents in air-dry fine earth {less than 2 mm.) 

Lime (CaO) 
and 
Magnesia Phos.Acid Potash {KoO) 

Nitrogen (MgO) (PjO.) ^_ '• m' 

Character of Soil (N) (Cold IIC\) {Cold UC\) {Cold UC\) (Hot HCl) 

Very rich — -may be cultivated withi- % % % % % 

out return of fertility removed.. Over 0.3 Over 3.0 Over 0.25 Over 0.2 Over 0.5 
Rich — requires partial return of Phos. 

acid removed 0.2-0.3 1.5-3.0 .1.5-. 25 .15-. 2 .4 -.5 

Cxood — requires return of Phos. acid 

removed 1 -.2 .5-1.5 .10-. 15 .10-. 15 .2 -.4 

Medium — requires return of Phos. 

acid and potash removed 06- .1 .25- .5 .07-. 1 .06-. 1 .12-. 2 

Poor — requires general increase in 

fertility 03-. 06 .1-.25 .04-. 07 .03-. 06 .08-. 12 

Very poor — very much in need of in- 
crease in fertility or periodical 

rest 02- .03 .05-. 10 .02-. 04 .02-03 .05-. 08 

Of little value for cultivation — best 

suited to meadows and pastures . < . 02 < . 05 < . 02 < . 02 < . 05 



Table II — A classification of Tennessee soils based on 
productiveness 

1. Very poor Less than 15 bu. corn, 

or less than 6 bu. wheat. 

2. Poor 15-25 bu. corn. 

or 6-10 bu. wheat. 

3. Medium 25-35 bu. corn, 

or 10-18 bu. wheat. 

4. Good 35-40 bu. corn, 

or 18-25 bu. wheat. 

5. Rich Over 50 bu. corn, 

or over 25 bu. wheat. 



Table III — Interpretation of the analyses of Tennessee 

Soils 

Phosphoric 

Acid Lime Potash Nitrogen 

(P.Os) (CaO) (KjO) (N) 

% % % % 

1. Very poor .. Less than 0.05 Less than 0.08 Less than 0.10 Less than 0.07 

2. Poor 0.05-0.10 0.08-0.12 0.10-0.15 0.07-0.10 

3. Medium 0.10-0.15 0.12-0.20 0.15-0.25 0.10-0.14 

4. Good 0.15-0.25 0.20-0.40 0.2.5-0.40 0.14-0.20 

5. Rich Over 0.25 Over 0.40 Over 0.40 Over 0.20 



Middle Tennessee 

This geographical division of the State lies between the 
Tennessee River on the west and the Cumberland Mountains 
on the east. It has within its boundaries the Central Basin, 
the Highland Rim, and the Cumberland Plateau. The soils 
of these areas are entirely different, and will for that reason be 
discussed separately. 

The "Highland Rim" is the name given to a portion of Mid- 
dle Tennessee which surrounds in a wide circle the Central Basin, 
something like the rim of a dinner plate. It covers about 9,300 
square miles, and may be divided into two sections: (1) an outer 
circle formed by limestone; (2) an inner and wider circle formed 
by the Tullahoma formation, chert, etc. 

The Rim soils of limestone origin range in color from grey to 
dark red, and have red clay subsoils. Silt and clay loams pre- 
dominate and are well suited to the production of grain and 
forage crops. The soils are quite well suited to fruit and dark- 
leaved tobacco. All of these soils are recognized as decidedly 
superior in both productiveness and durability to those of the 
Tullahoma formation. 

Below we give some analyses of the limestone soils of the 
Highland Rim: 

Phos. Acid Lime Potash Nitrogen 

County % % % % Remarks 

Coffee 07 .23 .23 .115 Old land , color dark red — Good. 

Franklin 09 .21 .31 .125 Old land, dark red — Good (much 

modified by manuring, etc.). 

Franklin 10 .16 .27 .120 Old land, dark red— Medium. 

Franklin 05 .14 .34 .040 Subsoil to above. 

Humphreys 06 .13 .23 .120 Old land, red — Poor. 

Lawrence 08 .08 .16 .100 Forest land, red — Medium. 

Lawrence 06 .08 .28 .06 Subsoil to above. 

Montgomery... .06 .15 .22 .074 Old land — grey. 

Stewart 05 .12 .15 .115 Forest land— Good. 

Stewart 05 .15 .17 .105 Forest land — Good. 

White 06 .14 .20 .085 Old land— Cragrock. 

White 07 .13 .22 .080 Old land— Cragrock. 

White 07 .09 .21 .09 Old land, sandy loam, grey- 
Poor. 

White 05 .14 .32 .057 Subsoil to above. 

The above analyses should be considered in connection with 
relative analyses shown on page 6, Tables I, II and III. 

Conclusions from the Above Analyses 
Phosphoric Acid: The phosphoric acid percentages are poor, 
so that applications of this element would undoubtedly be of 

7 



value and should be considered necessary in at least some 
instances. 

Lime: The lime content is as a rule only medium, and indi- 
cates that liming would be profitable. 

Potash: The supply of potash is medium to good, requiring 
less attention than the other important elements of plant food. 

Nitrogen: The supplies of nitrogen run from medium to 
poor, and require attention. 

Fertilizer experiments have shown the importance of phos- 
phate, lime, and nitrogen. Through the keeping of live stock, 
and by judicious management, aided only by moderate dressings 
of bone meal, the soil from which the second analysis was ob- 
tained, had in the course of a few years been brought up to a high 
state of fertility, although previously it had been greatly impov- 
erished by grain farming and by erosion. 

The Siliceous Soils of the Rim 

These soils originated chiefly from the decomposition of shale 
and siliceous rock, which were poor in lime. They are generally 
either grey or yellow colored and are characterized by a high con- 
tent of silt, the "crawfishy" soil being of occasional occurrence. 
The majority of the lands lie well for cultivation and are easily 
tilled, but are only moderately productive. However, under 
proper management, aided by liming and by liberal applications 
of commercial fertilizers, they are capable of the profitable pro- 
duction of a great variety of farm and garden crops. 

Peanuts are grown extensively in some counties and trucking 
crops and tobacco are being raised in others. 

Below we give some analyses of the soils from the Tullahoma 
formation, etc. 

Phos. Acid Lime Potash Nitrogen 

County % % % % Remarks 

Coffee 04 .15 .09 .077 Old land— Very poor. 

Dickson 04 .08 .16 .087 Forest land — Poor. 

Dickson 03 .10 .10 .090 Old land— Very poor. 

Dickson 03 .02 .31 .048 Subsoil— Dickson County, 

^ mile from above. 

Lewis 03 .06 .18 .050 Not cultivated — Very poor. 

Lewis 04 .03 .25 .04 Subsoil to above. 

Warren 04 .10 .14 .078 Old land— Poor. 

Warren 02 .07 .08 .070 Old land— Very poor. 

Warren 02 .07 .11 .046 Subsoil to above. 

(Compare with relative Tables I, II and III, page 6.) 




Jersey Herd in Middle Tennessee 




Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway Percheron Foundation 
Stud, Jackson 



General Conclusions from the Above Analyses 

Phosphoric Acid: The phosphoric acid percentages are decid- 
edly poor, indicating that appHcations of this element should be 
looked upon as a necessity in any kind of farming. 

Lime: The lime poverty is very marked in some cases, indi- 
cating that liming would be required in addition to the phos- 
phoric acid in order to get the best results. 

Potash: The potash supplies are poor, so that at least the re- 
turn of the potash removed by the crops would be required. 

Nitrogen: The nitrogen contents are either poor or very poor 
in all cases. 

Below, in series one, are given the results obtained by W. N. 
Rudd in field experiments on a very poor soil on his farm near 
McMinnville, in Warren County. In series two, same farm, 
but from another field which had been somewhat improved by 
previous fertilizing, etc. (the analysis of this soil is shown as 
first under Warren County, in preceding table). 

Fertilizer Experiments on Fort Payne Chert Soil 

Yields per Acre 
Stover Grain 
Plot Fertilizers per Acre Tons Bu. 

Corn 

1 No fertilizers 31 3.9 

„ f 640 lbs. Acid Phosphate 1 „ 

\ 128 lbs. Muriate Potash / 

„ / 640 lbs. Acid Phosphate \ 

•* \ 240 lbs. Nitrate Soda / ^ ^'^■■' 

640 lbs. Acid Phosphate 

240 lbs. Nitrate Soda i- .91 24.9 

128 lbs. Muriate Potash 

240 lbs. Nitrate Soda 



37 4 3 

128 lbs. Muriate Potash. ' 

640 lbs. Acid Phosphate. 

2401bs. Nitrate Soda \ 1.01 29.3 

256 lbs. Muriate Potash. 



Cow-Peas 

1 No fertilizers 13.0 

2 300 lbs. Acid Phosphate 19.0 

300 lbs. Acid Phosphate \ 22 o 

50 lbs. Muriate Potash J 

10 




Tomatoes in Middle Tennessee 




Beans in Middle Tennessee 



Conclusions for the Siliceous Soils of the Rim 

The results of the chemical analyses and the fertilizer experi- 
ments agree in demonstrating that the soils of the Tullahoma 
formation are poor in the fundamentally important mineral 
elements of plant food. Phosphoric acid and lime are indicated 
as the foremost essentials. The nitrogen supplies are also low, 
so that for cereal and other crops not legumes, this element 
should be used along with the minerals. 



CENTRAL BASIN 

The Central Basin covers approximately 5,500 square miles 
and has an average elevation above sea level of about 550 feet. 
The major part of this section is covered by the Chickamauga 
limestone, which is locally known as "blue limestone." Phos- 
phate beds are found in numerous localities. The soils as a 
whole are noted for their superior fertility and durability under 
cropping, as compared with those from other parts of the State. 
Continued cropping in corn and wheat has, however, greatly 
reduced the natural productiveness of the majority of the 
uplands, but the quickness with which they recover under proper 
management is almost remarkable. The bottom lands are ex- 
ceptionally fertile. The uplands generally lie well for cultiva- 
tion, but steep and isolated hills 200 to 300 feet high are not 
uncommon. They are, however, nearly always fertile. Scat- 
tered throughout this Basin are "cedar glades," where the soil 
is not deep enough for cultivation, but furnishes pasturage and 
is the natural habitat of the red cedar. The prevailing soils are 
brown-colored silt loams, adapted to a wide range of crops, but 
especially well suited to the production of corn, wheat, grass 
and forage crops. Potatoes are also grown extensively in some 
of the counties. Kentucky blue grass thrives as nowhere else 
in the State and is the common permanent pasture grass. 

Below we give some analyses of Central Basin Soils. 

Phos. Acid Lime Potash Nitrogen 



No. 


County 


% 


% 


% 


% 


Remarks 


1 


Bedford 


.15 


.10 


.29 


.122 


Old land — Good. 


2 


Bedford 


.09 


.28 


.17 


.112 


Old land — Good (bottom 
second bench). 


3 


Bedford 


.08 


.26 


.15 


.117 


Old land — Good (bottom 
grey soil) . 


4 


Bedford 


.12 


.24 


.33 


.130 


Old land — Good. 


5 


Bedford 


.05 


.31 


.49 


.04 


Subsoil to 4. 



12 




A Section of 70-Acre Apple Orchard, Columbia, Tenn. 




Silage Crops, Experiment Station, Knoxville 



No. County Phos.Acid Lime Potash Nitrogen Remarks 

6 Bedford 19 .57 .46 .15 Creek bottom land— Rich. 

7 Bedford 05 .05 .19 .09 Old land— Very poor. 

8 Bedford 17 .14 .26 .148 Old land— Good. 

9 Bedford 11 .11 .31 .068 Subsoil to 8. 

10 Bedford 26 .20 .32 .112 Old land— Good. 

11 Bedford 18 .19 .43 .077 Subsoil to 10. 

12 Bedford 15 .57 .43 .212 Old meadow bottom land 

—Rich. 

13 Bedford 15 .61 .43 .212 Subsoil to 12. 

14 Davidson 07 .46 .71 .190 New land— Rich. 

15 Lincoln 31 .32 .45 .128 Old land— Good. 

16 Marshall 32 .20 .19 .102 Old land— Medium. 

17 Marshall 26 .18 .25 .116 Old land— Good. 

18 Marshall 27 .27 .33 .065 Subsoil to 17. 

19 Rutherford 08 .22 .29 .116 Old land— Medium. 

20 Smith 22 .13 .22 .076 Old land— Poor. 

Compare the above with relative analyses shown on page 6. Tables I, II and III. 



General Conclusions from the Analyses 

PJiosphoric Acid: The majority of the analyses show the 
presence of unusually large amounts of phosphoric acid, so that 
many of the soils would be called rich in this element. A few, 
however, Nos. 2, 3, 7, 14, and 19, are only moderately supplied. 

Lime: The lime contents of these soils are as a rule good, 
but by no means sufficiently high to warrant the neglect of 
liming. Nos. 12, 13, 6, and 14 would be classed as rich in this 
element, and only one. No. 7, is very poor. 

Potash: The potash supplies are good on the average, but 
Nos. 2, 3, 7, and 16 rank only as medium, so that at least mod- 
erate applications of this element might be used to advantage 
in grain growing and the like, where the crops are sold off the 
farm. 

Nitrogen: The nitrogen percentages are medium on the 
average uplands, and good on the bottom lands. The uplands 
have lost much of this element under cultivation, and its return 
to the soil should be a matter of concern. In fact, it is decidedly 
the most important element of plant food needed by the average 
upland of this section. 

No. 20 is an interesting example of a soil which, when judged 
by actual production, would be classed as "poor" for crops 
like corn or wheat, but "good," or even "rich," for clover. The 
low nitrogen content, due to long continued grain farming, 
would account for the small crops of the cereals, but did not inter- 

14 




A Tennessee Farm HoiME 




Results of Canning Club Work in Tennessee 
(This young lady purchased mule and sow out of money received for canned goods) 



fere with the growth of a legume hke clover, the soil supply of 
the minerals being "good." 



THE CUMBERLAND PLATEAU 

This section covers about 5,000 square miles and has an 
average elevation above sea level of about 1,800 feet. The soils 
are principally sandy loams, which support a fair forest growth, 
but which are decidedly lacking in fertility under cropping. 
On account of their loamy nature, they are easily tilled and are 
well suited to the production of trucking and forage crops and 
to both large and small fruits. The cultivated soils are shallow, 
the depth of the underlying sandstone generally ranging from 
one to four feet. They seldom suffer from dry weather, however, 
and there is no reason why, under judicious management, which 
would include the liberal use of fertilizers and lime, much of this 
section should not become highly productive. 

Below we give some chemical analyses of these soils. 

Remarks. 
Uncleared pasture — ^Best 

type plateau soils. 
A sandy loam. 
A creek bottom soil — 

Very acid. 
Forest land — Average 
very poor. 
Comparison of these analyses is invited to those appearing on page 6, Tables I, II 
and III. 

General Conclusions 

These soils can be classed in plant-food supply with those of 
the Tullahoma formation, and must be considered very poor in 
all mineral elements of plant food, so that it would not be ad- 
visable to attempt any kind of farming without the aid of com- 
mercial fertilizers, phosphate in particular. Lime in addition is 
indicated as necessary, not only for plant-food purposes, but also 
to correct acidity. Some of the average soil is poor in these con- 
stituents. Fertilizer experiments bear out the results of the 
chemical analyses in showing the great demand for increased 
supplies of phosphoric acid, nitrogen and lime, but potash seems 
to be of uncertain value. 

16 







Phos. Acid 


Lime 


Potash 


Nitrogen 


No. 


County 


% 


% 


% 


% 


1 


Cumberland . . 


.06 


.07 


.19 


.161 1 


2 


Cumberland.. 


.03 


.10 


.07 


.279 . 


3 


Cumberland.. 


.03 


.05 


.08 


.085 , 


4 


Cumberland . . 


.03 


.05 


.06 


.069 ] 




Disking Peas for Winter Grain, Highland Rim 




East Tennessee Hay Crop 



^ 



East Tennessee 

This section, which Hes between the Unaka or Great Smoky 
Mountains on the east and the Cumberland Plateau on the 
west, has an elevation of about 1,000 feet. The geological form- 
ations, including ridges, etc., have northeast and southwest 
courses parallel with the mountains on either side, and occur 
repeatedly in long belts or strips. 

The most important soils of this section may be placed under 
the following heads: 

1. Knox dolomite. 

2. Shale. 

3. Chickamauga limestone. 

4. Miscellaneous marbles and limestones. 

5. Tellico sandstone. 

6. Alluvial. 

THE DOLOMITE SOILS 

The prevailing soils are loams and silt loams containing 
more or less chert. The color of the soils ranges from gray to 
dark red. All have retentive red clay subsoils. Valley lands 
of this type are considered to be of good natural fertility, and 
under judicious management are highly productive, but under 
continued grain growing they soon become impoverished. The 
soils of the rounded ridges which characterize this formation 
contain as a rule much more chert and are recognized as natu- 
rally much poorer and less durable than the valley lands. 

The valley lands are well adapted to general farm crops, 
such as corn, wheat, grass, etc., but when favorably located are 
used for market garden and fruit growing purposes. The ridges 
are adapted to the production of small fruits, grapes and general 
orcharding; peaches and cherries in particular. 

Below we give some chemical analyses of the Dolomite Soils — 
Valley type: 

Phos. Acid Lime Potash Nitrogen 

No. County % % % % Remarks 

1 Hamilton 05 .16 .23 .095 Old land — Medium. 

2 Knox 09 .17 .28 . Ill Old land— Good. 

3 Knox 06 .13 .38 .079 Old land— Poor. 

4 Knox 05 .12 .43 .051 Subsoil to 3. 

The analyses of the valley soils show larger amounts of all 
the mineral elements of plant food, potash and lime in particular, 
than the ridge type. The phosphoric acid contents, however, 

18 










A Highland Rim Tobacco Field, N., C. & St. L. Ry., Demonstration Farm. Tullahoma 
(The man standing is six feet tall) 




JuDGLVG Fat Stock, Experiment Station Farm, Knoxville 



are poor, and this may account for the lack of durability under 
grain farming. The supplies of lime are medium. The per- 
centages of potash are good, probably ample under stock farm- 
ing, but would not endure the constant drain of grain and hay 
farming. In three out of four soils the nitrogen contents are 
poor, and along with phosphoric i acid should receive much 
attention. 

SHALE SOILS 

Next to the Knox Dolomite, shale from various formations 
covers the largest area in the East Tennessee Valley. These 
soils are often shallow and have the general reputation of being 
leachy and hard to handle. This type occurs frequently as low 
lands, which when of sufficient depth, are well suited to the 
production of both grain and grass. 

Below we give a few analyses of the shale soils: 

Phos. Acid Lime Potash Nitrogen 

No. County % % % % Remarks 

1 Hamblen 11 .05 .28 .208 Old land— Good. 

(Nolichucky shale) 

2 Hamblen 02 .10 .08 .072 Old land— Crawfishy, 

(Athens shale) very poor. 

3 Knox 09 .11 .29 .09 Old land— Poor. 

4 Knox 09 .12 .27 .10 New land— Medium. 

(Sevier shale) 

5 Knox 03 .08 .09 Forest— Crawfishy. 

(Sevier shale) very poor. 

General Conclusion 

Phosphoric Acid: Nearly medium except for the "craw- 
fishy" sorts, which are very deficient. The best of these soils 
would be expected to require at least the return of this element 
removed by the crops. 

Lime: Must be considered poor — in particular, liming would 
be required to bring soil No. 1 to a high state of productiveness. 

Potash: Except in Nos. 2 and 5, the potash percentages are 
good, but not sufficient to warrant the constant removal of this 
element without any return, as in grain or hay farming. 

Nitrogen: No. 1 is rich in nitrogen, but the others would be 
considered poor. 

Fertilizer experiments made on soils long under cultivation 
have indicated a decided need of both phosphoric acid and 
nitrogen. 

20 




East Tennessee Cattle Scene 







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Sheep in East Tennessee 





A Tennessee Sheep 



A Tennessee Duroc Hog 



% 


% 


% 


Remarks 


82 


.86 


.308 


Forest — Very rich. 


18 


.37 


.097 


Old land — Poor. 


22 


.43 


.120 


Creek bottom — Good 


10 


.27 


.094 


Old land— Poor. 


31 


.68 


.183 


Fertile pasture. 


06 


.18 


.087 


Old land— Poor. 


10 


.18 


.100 


Old land— Poor. 



CHICKAMAUGA LIMESTONE 

This formation covers probably less than one-twelfth of the 
East Tennessee Valley, and is found in narrow belts. The 
rock is easily recognized on account of its blue color, and its 
structure, which is of such a nature that it is often spoken of as 
rotten limestone. 

The soils are high in both silt and clay, so that in working, 
care is required to prevent the formation of clods. The subsoils 
are heavy yellow-colored clays. General farm crops, especially 
wheat and grass, thrive on this type. 

Below we give you a few analyses of the Chickamauga lime- 
stone soils: 

Phos. Acid Lime Potash Nitrogen 
No. County % 

1 Hamblen 10 

2 Hamblen 07 

3 Knox 08 

4 Knox 09 

5 McMinn .07 

6 Roane 07 

7 Washington 07 

General Conclusions 

Phosphoric Acid: Phosphoric acid contents of these soils are 
poor, requiring at least the return of the phosphoric acid removed 
by crops. The uniformity in the percentages of this element in 
soils from different localities is noteworthy. 

Lime: The percentages of lime are variable to an unusual 
extent. The virgin soils are well supplied, but those which have 
been long cultivated are often deficient, so that liming would be 
advisable. 

Potash: In no instance is the potash content poor. Nos. 
1, 3 and 5 are rich; No. 4 is good ; and Nos. 6 and 7 are medium. 

Nitrogen: The nitrogen contents of the long cultivated 
soils are a low medium, but at least one of the virgin soils, 
No. 1, would be considered very rich in this element. 

Fertilizer experiments show these soils to be only moderately 
well supplied with phosphoric acid, so that applications of this 
element are recommended, especially in grain farming. Long- 
cultivated soils need in addition both nitrogen and lime. Lim- 
ing is advised not only on account of its value as a plant food, but 
especially as a corrective for acidity and for its favorable action 



22 




I'S^I J 





A Tennessee Jack 



on those soils which are heavy and troublesome to handle. 
Little attention appears to be required for potash fertilization. 

MARBLE AND MISCELLANEOUS LIMESTONE SOILS 

All these limestones form red or chocolate colored loams and 
clay loams, which are recognized as naturally very fertile and 
much more durable under cropping than the dolomite and shale 
soils. They are especially well adapted to general farm crops, 
but may be used to advantage for gardening, orcharding, and 
the like. Their area is small. 

Below we give some chemical analyses of these soils: 

Phos. Acid Lime Potash Nitrogen 

No. County % % % % Remarks 

1 Anderson 17 .12 .21 .123 Old land— Good. 

2 Hamblen OS .12 .24 .079 Old land— Poor. 

3 Knox 16 .30 .36 .143 New land— Rich. 

4 Knox 19 .38 .42 .190 New land— Rich. 

5 Knox 10 .20 .34 .100 Old land— Medium. 

General Conclusions 

Phosphoric Acid: In three out of five soils the phosphoric 
acid content is good. In fact, they are the highest found in 
any of the East Tennessee types. In strictly grain farming, 
however, the phosphoric acid removed by the crops should be 
returned, especially for Nos. 2 and 5. 

Lime: The lime contents are better than the average, running 
from medium to good, but beneficial results would be expected 
to follow its application to Nos. 1 and 2. 

Potash: The supplies of potash are good in three out of the 
five soils, but analyses Nos. 1 and 2 show only medium amounts 
of this element. 

Nitrogen: The nitrogen supplies of the new lands are good, 
but the long-cultivated soils have been heavy losers of this cle- 
ment. 

The fertilizer experiments which have been made on these 
soils have shown that they do not respond readily to phosphoric 
acid like the other types described, but indicate that attention 
should be given to this element in grain farming. Nitrogen 
has been found to be needed after a few years of cropping in 
corn and wheat, as is the custom. 

24 



TELLICO SANDSTONE SOILS 



These soils are especially desirable for market garden pur- 
poses, being sandy loams of good natural fertility. The area 
covered by this formation is small, but long, narrow strips are 
found scattered throughout the East Tennessee Valley. On ac- 
count of the hardness of the parent rock, they are found on the 
slopes and tops of high hills and sometimes on small elevated 
plateaus which are excellently situated for the production of early 
vegetables. On hillsides these soils wash ruinously, with rapid 
deterioration in fertility, unless wisely handled. 

Below we give some chemical analyses of these soils: 



Potash Nitrogen 

% % Remarks 

.18 .106 New land— Good. 
.18 .120 Old land— Good. 
.30 .152 New land— Rich. 



No. County 
1 Kno.x 


Phoi 


-..Acid 
% 
.17 
.11 
.10 


Lime 
% 
.19 


2 Knox 




16 


3 Roane 




.26 



General Conclusions 

Taking the texture into consideration, the percentages of all 
the elements of plant food are good and justify the reputation 
of these soils for being naturally fertile. 

For market garden crops, the old lands need especially both 
phosphoric acid and nitrogen, and to a less extent potash. 



ALLUVIAL SOILS 

These do not cover large areas, but are noted for their fertility 
and durability under cropping. They are best adapted to corn, 
grass and forage crops, and are decidedly the most productive 
soils in the East Tennessee Valley. Their superior depth adds 
greatly to the plant-food supplies indicated in the chemical 
analyses, of which we give a few as follows: 

Phos. .Acid Lime Potash Nitrogen 

% Remarks 

.131 Old land — Good, occa- 
sionally overflowed. 
.121 Old land— Medium. 

Texture bad. 
.145 Old land — Rich, overflows. 
. 131 Old land— Rich, overflows. 
.073 Old land — Rich, overflows. 



No. County 


% 


% 


% 


1 Blount 


.18 


.18 


.53 


2 Hamilton 


.09 


.73 


.91 


3 Knox 


.12 


.43 


.45 


4 Knox 


.09 
.05 


.42 
.41 


42 


5 Knox 


.32 



25 



General Conclusions 

Phosphoric Acid: The per cent of phosphoric acid runs from 
poor in the sandy soils to good, but the depth and texture of 
these soils make them well supplied, though not rich in this 
element. 

Lime: With the exception of No. 1, these soils are rich in 
lime, at least so far as plant-food requirements are concerned. 

Potash: These lands are rich in potash. 

Nitrogen: The nitrogen percentages are for the most part 
only medium, but, as in the case of phosphoric acid, the depth 
of the soil makes the supplies good. 

Fertilizer Experiments 

At the Tennessee Experiment Station farm, on soil No. 4 
no profitable returns have been obtained from the use of fertili- 
zer mixtures for either corn or wheat; the wheat generally grow- 
ing too rank, so that it lodges. Alfalfa and clover, however, 
respond to applications of both phosphoric acid and lime, but 
the effects of the latter must be attributed to the slight acidity 
of the soil. Grass responds to nitrogen in addition to the other 
two elements. 




Ten'N'essee Farm Pouliky 



26 



CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 

In the discussion of the soils, we have dealt frankly with the 
conditions, giving the facts. Properly to understand the great 
possibilities of improving these soils, and at the same time pro- 
duce fair crops on these lands, it is necessary that the distribu- 
tion of rainfall and duration of growing season be thoroughly 
understood. By use of this information we can determine how 
early in the spring we may plant without danger of frost, or 
how late we can plant, expecting the crop to mature before killed 
by frost. Further, the average rainfall by months will show the 
dry periods, during which we must do our plowing, cultivating 
and other farming operations which depend upon the dryness 
of the atmosphere and soil. In order that the reader may readily 
determine these facts, charts prepared by the College of Agri- 
culture, University of Tennessee, with notation as to their char- 
acter, are given. 




Cumberland Plateau Potato Exhibit 

27 



Chart I — Latest Killing Frost in Spring 

Chart I shows the latest date on which kilHng frost has 
occurred in the spring since careful records were begun. The 
crosses on this chart and on all following charts represent the 
stations at which the observations were made. The curved 
lines with dates at each end are drawn through all points that 
have had their latest killing frost in spring on the same date, as 
April 20, or April 30. The date of the latest killing frost for 
points not on one of these lines may be determined as follows: 
Take Haywood County, for example. On one side we have a 
line dated April 10 and on the other side a line dated April 20, 
and we see at once that the latest killing frost in that county 
occurred between April 10 and April 20. Or look at Williamson 
County. Here we have lines dated April 20 on all sides, but 
looking outside the April 20 lines we find April 30 lines, which 
are later. Therefore the latest frost in Williamson County, 
which is inside the April 20 line, must have been earlier than April 
20. In the same way the date of the latest killing frost in the 
spring for any point in the State may be determined approxi- 
mately by means of the chart. 

All of our crops may be placed in one of two classes. One 
class will withstand a given amount of frost, while the other 
class will be destroyed by freezing temperature. Crops of the 
first class may be planted or sown as early as the soil can be 
properly prepared, but crops of the second class can not be 
planted with absolute safety until after the date of the latest 
killing frost in spring as shown, roughly, on this chart. 

Chart H — Earliest Killing Frost in Fall 

Chart II was made in the same manner as Chart I. The 
lines in this case show the dates of earliest killing frosts in fall 
since careful records were begun. 

This chart will help us to decide the proper time to sow late 
forage crops that are not able to resist the frost. Knowing the 
length of time any crop needs to reach maturity, we can with the 
assistance of this chart determine when to sow in order to be 
perfectly safe from early frosts in the fall. A crop sown early 
enough to get out of the way of the earliest frost on record will 
be practically safe. 

29 



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Chart III — Average Date of Latest Killing Frost in Spring 

Chart III shows the average date of the latest killing frost in 
the spring. 

Many crops that will not endure frost are many times more 
valuable if marketed early than if marketed only a week or two 
later. This being true, we are willing to t^ke chances of losing a 
crop occasionally by frost in order to reach the market as early 
as possible. Having before us the average date of the latest 
killing frost in spring, and knowing the difference in the price 
of our product that a few days will make, we can easily calculate 
what will be the best time to plant. For example, a crop 
starting on the average date of the latest killing frost will in the 
long run be killed one year out of two. If, however, the crop 
planted at that date will be worth more than twice as much in 
the market s athe one planted a few days later we can afford 
to take the risk. If the early crop is worth ten times as much as 
thelateone we can profitably plant still earlier, while if it is worth 
but little more we must wait until danger from frost is prac- 
tically past. Each farmer should know for his own locality what 
is the average date of the latest killing frost in spring. If it has 
not already been worked out he should begin keeping a record 
at once and get an average as soon as possible. 

Chart IV — Average Date of Earliest Killing Frost in Fall 

Chart IV shows the average date of the earliest killing frost 
in the fall and can be used in the same manner as Chart III. 

If in a given locality the average date of the earliest killing 
frost is October 20, and if also some crop, as green corn, peas, or 
tomatoes, is much more valuable after that date than before it, 
because of scarcity; we can afford to take chances and plant late 
in order that, if a frost does not come, we may have a crop after 
our neighbor's crops are harvested. 




'^^■^''^^'- 




Dairy Herd in Middle Tennessee 



Chart V — Average Number of Days in Growing Season 

Chart V is obtained from Charts III and IV and shows the 
average number of days without killing frost, or the length of 
the growing season. We naturally expect to find a longer grow- 
ing season in the South than the North and the' chart shows this 
to be true in a general way. There are, however, great irreg- 
ularities in the lines as compared with lines of latitude. We 
also expect the growing season to shorten with elevation above 
sea level, and comparing Chart V with Chart VI we find this is 
true and that most of the irregularities noted above are accounted 
for by difl'erences in elevation. 

There is, however, still one important disagreement between 
the lines on these two charts that must be accounted for in some 
other way. The point of difference is this: Stations west of the 
Cumberland Mountains having an elevation of 1,000 feet have 
a growing season of about 180 days, while stations with a similar 
elevation east of the Cumberland Mountains have a growing 
season of over 200 days. The difiference must be due to the 
protection afforded to the eastern portion of the State by the 
Cumberland Mountains. 

Knowing the time it takes a given crop to mature, and the 
average length of the growing season in a particular locality, 
the farmer can see at once whether he ought to sow that crop or 
not. For example, in the case of Irish potatoes the grower can 
tell from this chart whether or not he can grow two crops in 
one season, though it may never have been tried in his locality. 



Chart VI — Elevation of Stations Above Sea Level 

In Chart VI the lines represent elevation above sea level. 
It is of interest to study this chart in connection with each of the 
others, as it shows the effect which elevation has on the tem- 
perature and rainfall of a place. Valleys are found to be warmer 
than highlands, and valleys on the east of a mountain range are 
less subject to late frosts than those on the west. Precipitation 
is heavier on western than it is on eastern slopes. 

33 



Chart VII — Mean Annual Temperature 

Chart VII, showing the mean annual temperature, is of value 
to the farmer because it assists him in determining the sections 
best suited for crops requiring high temperature, as cotton, or 
those requiring lower temperature, as fall apples and cabbage. 
This chart conforms much more closely to the chart showing 
the elevations than any of the others. As would be expected, 
we find the lowest temperatures at the highest altitudes, while the 
highest temperatures are observed in the lowest portions. 



Chart VIII — Lowest Temperature in Thirteen Years 

Chart VIII, showing the lowest temperature for thirteen 
years, should be considered before locating an orchard or a crop 
of any kind that is liable to be winterkilled. The orchardist 
would not wish to plant a tender variety of peaches in a place 
where a temperature of 20 degrees^^below zero is likely to occur. 




Tennessee Holsteins 



35 



Chart IX — Number of Winters in Thirteen Years with 
Zero or Below 

Chart IX shows the number of times in thirteen years that 
the temperature has been zero or below. It should be of value 
to those who are trying to carry either animals or tender crops 
through the winter, as from it a good general idea of the frequency 
of winters with severe weather can be obtained. 

Chart X — Mean Annual Rainfall, in Inches 

Chart X shows the annual precipitation for the entire 
time of observation at each station. This chart also conforms 
to a limited extent with the chart of elevation. The heavier 
rainfall is found on the western slopes of the mountains and the 
lighter rainfall on the eastern slopes. The heaviest rainfall for 
the State (over 59 inches) was measured on the Cumberland 
Plateau, while the lowest annual rainfall occurs at Bristol. 

In considering the mean monthly or annual rainfall we must 
bear in mind that the mean, or average, rainfall is not the rain- 
fall which is most likely to occur. This we can easily see by con- 
sidering that in a month in which the normal rainfall is 5 inches 
the greatest possible deficiency is only 5 inches, while on the 
other hand the excess may be 10 or 15 inches or more. Thus 
one month having a rainfall of 15 inches would raise the normal 
twice as far as one month with no rainfall would lower it. 




Tennessee Bees 
37 



Distribution of rainfall is one of the most important factors 
to successful farming. The rainfall of Tennessee, as shown by 
the following charts, is admirably distributed, and the only 
reason why Tennessee does not stand at the head as an agricul- 
tural state is because our people have not taken advantage of 
the climatic conditions as they are. 




ncAes) 



Chart 1 — Average Rainfall in Inches for the Six Months 
March 1 to August 31 

The above chart shows that Tennessee is much better supplied 
with rain during the corn-growing season than the section com- 
monly known as the Corn-Belt. 

Chart 2 shows Tennessee and other states south of Ken- 
tucky and Virginia have an advantage of from twenty-five to 
seventy-five days of growing season over those States north of 
the Ohio River. This not only gives more time for the crop to 
grow, but gives more leeway at planting time and a better op- 
portunity to get the seed bed in the best condition. Tennessee 
has a growing season about twenty-five days longer than the 
average for Illinois. 



38 




Chart 2 — Average Length of Growing Season, or Number of Days Between the Last 
Killing Frost in the Spring and the First Killing Frost in the Fall 



Chart 3 is a comparison between the corn crop and the 
July rainfall in Tennessee. The solid line represents the aver- 
age corn crop for the State for fifteen years, in bushels per acre, 
as shown by the figures on the lefthand margin. It will at once 
be noticed that there is great similarity between the two lines. 
Examination of Chart 10 shows the average rainfall for the 
month of July for fifteen years. Since July is the month when 
most of the corn in Tennessee tassels, we may fairly conclude 
that the amount of moisture available at tasseling time is one 
of the principal factors controlling the size of the corn crop. 
From Tennessee northward and westward the corn all tassels 
during the months of July and August. Since the crop is 
largely dependent upon the moisture available during tasseling 
time, July and August are the critical months, and we must con- 
sider the rainfall for that period in any comparison we make. 
Charts 4 and 5 represent the average rainfall for July and August, 
respectively, for the region under discussion. They show that 

39 



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Rainfall 



Chart 4 — Average Rainfall for July in Inches 



Zlo 




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Chart 5 — Average Rainfall for August in Inches 



Tennessee has a greater rainfall in July (her critical period) 
than the states north and west of her have in either July or 
August. In this respect, then, her opportunity for producing 
a large crop of corn is greater than that of those other states. 

Another important factor upon which the amount of moisture 
available for the crop at tasseling time depends, is the water 
from the earlier rains that may be retained in the soil by proper 
methods of cultivation. Chart 7 shows the average rainfall for 
the three months, December, January, and February. Central 
Mississippi and Alabama have the greatest amount, over fif- 
teen inches, while the entire Southeast section has twelve 
inches or more. Over the Ohio and upper Mississippi Valleys, 
the rainfall for these three months is from three to nine inches 
only. Here again Tennessee has a great opportunity for increas- 
ing the amount of available moisture at tasseling time by con- 
serving the heavy winter rainfall. King, in his "Irrigation and 
Drainage," describes some careful experiments made to deter- 
mine the amount of rainfall necessary to produce a certain yield 
of corn. In thirteen Northeastern and North Central States 
having an average rainfall of about fifteen inches during the corn- 
growing season, he estimates that after deducting a certain 
amount for loss by percolation and from light showers, the aver- 
age effective rainfall is about twelve inches. His experiments 
show that this rainfall, if it came in the right amount and at 
the right time for greatest efficiency, would be enough to supply 
the necessary moisture for a crop of over seventy bushels per 
acre. In actual practice the average yield for these thirteen 
states is about thirty bushels per acre, or less than one-half of the 
calculated amount. King rightly ascribes this great difference to 
the fact that the rainfall is seldom or never properly distributed 
for the greatest efficiency. He also shows by actual experiments 
that by conservation in the soil of moisture from earlier rains 
the bad effect of improper distribution may be overcome to a 
considerable extent and the crop largely increased. 

Looking at the subject from the standpoint of climatic condi- 
tions, there is no good reason why Tennessee, or the states 
southeast of Tennessee, should not be among out best corn- 
growing states. The summers are as warm as in the valleys 
of the Ohio, Missouri and upper Mississippi Rivers. The 
growing season is longer; the summer rainfall is more abundant 

42 



and the winter rainfall with the opportunity for moisture conser- 
vation is far greater. The fact, then, is that the yield of corn 
per acre in Tennessee is comparatively small, not because of 
climatic conditions, but because of failure to take advantage of 
them. Neither is the soil responsible for the deficiency, for many 
farmers scattered over all parts of the State have produced crops 
of corn that can not be excelled anywhere. The trouble is that 
most of us have not adapted our farming methods to our climatic 
and soil conditions. What is needed is a system of farm manage- 
ment and a rotation of crops that will utilize the abundant heat 
and moisture that our land receives. 




u.ne. 



iA^/y 



Chart 6 — Comparative Chart of Heat and Rainfall 



The radiating lines represent the 12 months of the year. The concentric circles represent 
percentages counted from the center, which is zero. The irregular figure marked "Rainfall" 
represents the per cent of the annual rainfall that falls each month. The figure marked" Heat" 
represents the per cent of the year's effective heat that is received each month. 

43 



u^ 




Chart 7 — Average Rainfall in Inches for the Three Months 
December 1 to February 28 



We must have a system that will increase the humus content 
of the soil and a rotation that will maintain a cover on the ground 
in the winter as well as in summer. The double-cropping system 
as practiced by many of our progressive farmers is well adapted 
for this purpose and should be used on all land not in meadow or 
pasture. By this system the supply of humus in the soil is in- 
creased, making it more receptive and retentive of moisture, 
thus preventing erosion and storing up water for use when rain 
is deficient. The necessary humus may be supplied in two ways 
— the crop may be fed and the manure returned to the land, or 
the crop may be turned under for green manure. The latter 
method is quicker while the former is possibly the more eco- 
nomical. Either is good and one or the other is absolutely neces- 
sary. With this system, Tennessee may not only increase her 
corn yield until it is second to none, but she may increase all 
her other crops in proportion. And not only Tennessee, but 

44 



the whole region south and east of Tennessee may be benefited 
by the use of the double-cropping system. North of Kentucky 
the weather conditions will not admit of this method of increasing 
soil fertility. This system of double-cropping permits the utili- 
zation of the maximum amount of the abundant heat and rain- 
fall with which this section is blessed. 

Chart 6 graphically shows the relative distribution of heat 
and rainfall through the year in percentages of the total amount 
of each for each month. 

The second climatic essential for the success of the double- 
cropping system is sufiicient rainfall properly distributed through- 
out the year. Let us first consider the winter rainfall as shown 
in Chart 7. Over the greater portion of the six states under 
discussion the winter rainfall is twelve inches or more. This 
amount of water falling on a hare soil in so short a time can not fail 
to do considerable damage, both by washing and leaching. This is 
especially true if the soil is deficient in humus. Under these 
conditions a winter cover crop is a necessity for the sake of soil 
conservation, and would be profitable if no other benefit were 
received from it. Under the double-cropping system there is 
always a crop on the ground during the winter to conserve the 
soil a;id use the abundant rainfall. 

We will next consider the annual distribution of rainfall — 
first for Tennessee, and then for the whole district under dis- 
cussion. 

The rainfall for Tennessee may be divided into four types ac- 
cording to its distribution through the year as shown in Chart 8. 
They differ chiefly in the relative heights of the winter and sum- 
mer maxima. For the present, let us note the resemblance be- 
tween these four types and the area covered by each as shown by 
Chart 9. 

These types resemble each other in that each has a winter and 
a summer maximum and a May and October minimum. Type 
1 occupies a narrow strip at the west end of the State, and Type 
4 covers a still smaller area in the northeast corner. The re- 
mainder of the State, which is over ninety per cent, is covered 
by Types 2 and 3. 



45 












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Chart 10 — Distribution of Rainfall for Tennessee, Showing Wet Periods in Winter 
AND Summer with Drier Periods in Spring and Fall 



Chart 10 represents the average distribution of rainfall 
throughout the year for the whole State. Type 1, Chart 9, 
is the only one of the four types that differs materially from 
Chart 10, and as this type occupies less than one-tenth of the 
State, any conclusions based on Chart 10 may be applied with 
reasonable fairness to the State as a whole. 

Chart 11 is identical with Chart 10, except that the heavy 
lines representing rainfall, instead of arising from a common 
base line, are arranged to radiate from a common center. This 
shows clearly the rain cycle for the year and enables us to locate 
the various operations of the double-cropping system in their 
relation to rainfall. As practiced by progressive farmers and 
the Tennessee Experiment Station, the winter cover crop is 
sown during the comparatively dry months of September and 
October and occupies the ground through the wet months of 

47 




Chart 11 — Distribution of Rainfall for Tennessee Arranged in Circular Form to 

Show More Clearly the Annual Cycle of Rainfall with Wet Periods 

in Winter and Summer and Drier Periods in Spring and Fall 



winter and early spring. It is ready to be turned under for green 
manure in March or April, or to be cut for forage during May, 
which is drier than the months either before or after it, and 
offers the most favorable opportunity for harvesting one crop and 
putting in another. This second crop p'anted in May covers 
the ground during the wet summer months and protects it from 
washing rains when they are most frequent, and is ready to har- 
vest during the drier months of fall. 

Chart 12 represents the average monthly rainfall for Tennes- 
see, the Carolinas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia. Com- 
parison to Chart 15 is invited, showing that the rainfall in 

48 






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II I nn 1 

I I 1 I 

II I I I 

I II I 

I II 1 1 

I III II I 

a I I II III I 



Chart 12 — Average Distribution of Rainfall for the Six States of Tennessee, the 

Carolinas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, Showing Wet Winter 

AND Summer and Drier Spring and Fall 

these southern states is greater and better distributed than in 
the five central northern states named in Chart 15. 

Chart 13 represents the average monthly rainfall for five 
selected stations, which are situated on a linie extending across 
the section from west to east and passing very near its center. 
This chart is introduced to show that the rainfall distribution 
at different points over the section corresponds very closely to 
the general average as shown in Chart 12. 

Chart 14 is a circular arrangement of the lines on Chart 12, 
and shows the average yearly cycle of rainfall for the whole 

49 






^ 







%7an. 



Oct. 




Chart 14 — Average Distribution of Rainfall for Six States as Shown in Chart 12 

Arranged in Circular Form to Show Annual Cycle of Rainfall with 

Wet Winter and Summer and Drier Spring and Fall 



region. Here, as in the State of Tennessee, the distribution of 
rainfall is ideal for the double-cropping system. The old plan 
of growing only one crop a year, which is practiced throughout 
the country, is a great success in the North, but is a glaring mis- 
fit in the South. This is due to the great difference in climatic 
conditions. First, the growing season north of Tennessee is 
generally too short for two crops in one year. Second, the 
ground is usually frozen in the winter and the winter rainfall is 
small and usually in the form of snow, so that there is no impera- 
tive demand for a winter cover crop to prevent washing. Third, 
the annual distribution of rainfall is entirely different from that 
of the Southern States, as is shown by Charts 15 and 16, which 
represent the five states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, 

and Iowa. 

51 



-^nch 






\3 






jitt'b;; 



/ 



n 



Chart 15 — Average Distribution of Rainfall for the Five States of Ohio, Indiana 
Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa 

Instead of two wet seasons, we find only one, and that is in 
the late spring and summer. 




ijrt^y 



>^9- 



jt^^y 



Chart 16 — -Circular Arrangement of Data in Chart 15, Showing Annual Cycle of 
Rainfall with Wet Summer and Dry Fall, Winter, and Spring 



There is only one dry season, which includes fall, winter and 
early spring. Crops put into the ground in the fall or spring 
occupy it during the wet summer season and are harvested in 
the late summer or fall. Here the conditions are just suited to 
the single-cropping system, and this system is suited to the 
conditions because it was developed under and for these condi- 
tions. It would be absurd for an Iowa farmer with his short 
growing season and his light winter rainfall to attempt to use 
the double-cropping system. But it would be no more absurd 
than for the Southern farmer to stick to a system developed to 
fit conditions entirely different from those under which he is 
working. He must have a system that fits his conditions if he 
is to get the most out of farming, and when he realizes that his 
conditions are almost perfectly adapted to the growing of two 
crops each year instead of one he will be in position to live up to 
his opportunity. 

In discussion of the soils, the showing made from a produc- 
tion standpoint is comparatively poor, but this has been caused 
by failure to take advantage of the abundant rainfall and long 
growing season — to produce two crops each year, turning under 
or pasturing the winter crop so as to increase the humus content 
and fertility of the soil. The use of ground limestone, which 
can be secured at reasonable cost, makes the growing of red 
clover easy, and when red clover can be grown, we can soon re- 
store the original fertility of the soil. 

CROPS 

Any crop produced in the United States can be grown in this 
section, with the exception of tropical fruits. West Tennessee 
grows as her principal crops, cotton and tobacco, both of which 
are readily convertible into cash; in addition, corn, wheat, 
oats and in fact all the cereal crops are produced. In addition, 
this section is the natural home of Bermuda, a heavy producing 
summer pasture and hay grass. After this grass starts growth 
in the spring, it will support two head of cattle or horses to the 
acre. By the use of bur clover with Bermuda, the pastures are 
green throughout the year. Again, Bermuda planted in gullies 
will quickly stop washing, and soon the sides of the gullies are 
covered and furnish a considerable pasture during the summer. 

Japan clover (Lespedeza) is a great soil builder, particularly 

53 



in West Tennessee, where it will soon cover any abandoned land. 
It is a legume that furnishes a considerable pasture during the 
summer, and fields left in Japan clover are soon restored to their 
natural fertility. Hay made from this plant has a feeding value 
about equal to alfalfa and it produces from one to three tons per 
acre where it is planted on good land. If allowed to grow until 
late September or early October before cutting, it reseeds itself 
from year to year. Many abandoned fields in Tennessee grow- 
ing only broom sedge, have been restored to cultivation by it, 
and Lespedeza pastures are unsurpassed for all kinds of stock. 

Grasses for hay and pastures are produced in abundance in 
West Tennessee, and more attention should be given to their 
planting. 

This section is one of the most favored for the economical 
growing of stock, but this has been sadly neglected. Any 
farmer in West Tennessee who will take advantage of the nat- 
ural conditions, and raise stock, will soon have a fertile farm 
and be in position to make good returns on his investment. 
Too little attention has been given to this class of farming in 
this portion of the State. 

Alfalfa can be readily grown in West Tennessee. All soils 
require liming and most of them respond to phosphorus. Three 
and four cuttings are made each year. It is not necessary to 
enter into any discussion of the merits of alfalfa, as it is too 
well known by farmers of all sections. 

Sweet clover, crimson clover, bur clover, and hairy vetch 
may be grown to perfection in this section. 

Soy beans and cowpeas furnish good crops when planted 
after a small winter grain crop has been harvested. Both are 
soil improvers of great importance, if fed and the manure return- 
ed to the soil. 

Sorghum, both sweet and non-saccharine, makes splendid 
growth, and the sweet sorghum is used for making molasses 
and as a forage crop. In fact, West Tennessee soils will grow 
any crops that can be grown in the Temperate Zone, and in 
addition, has the important crops of cotton and tobacco as cash 
crops. 

Experiments at the West Tennessee Station have shown con- 
clusively that the soils of that section are easily restored. The 
main need of most of the soils is lime and humus, although in 

54 



growing alfalfa and other clovers and legumes, phosphoric acid 
has shown good results. The principal need is a winter cover crop 
to prevent washing and loss of plant food from the soil, which 
occur in this section because of the mild winters, with alternate 
freezing and thawing of the soil. Crimson clover is our best 
winter cover crop because of the fact that it is a winter-growing 
legume and furnishes cover for the- ground and pasture for hogs, 
cattle, horses and sheep. If turned under in the late spring, 
besides supplying much needed humus to the soil, it materially 
increases its nitrogen content. Wheat, oats, rye, and barley 
all furnish excellent winter cover crops, but unquestionably 
crimson clover, if the land can be prepared and the seed planted 
under the proper conditions, far outclasses these. 

The College of Agriculture, University of Tennessee, after 
experimenting, suggests the following rotations which are de- 
sirable for West Tennessee conditions: 
Five-Year Live Stock Rotation. 

1st year — Soy beans or cow peas. 

2d year — Wheat. 

3d year — Clover and grass. 

4th year — Clover and grass. 

5th year — Corn, followed by winter cover crop for pasture 
and green manure. 
Five-Year General Farm Rotation. 

1st year — Soy beans and cowpeas. 

2d year — Wheat. 

3d year — Clover. 

4th year — Cotton, followed by cover crop. 

5th year — Corn, followed by cover crop. 
Three-Year Cotton Planter's Rotation. 

1st year — Oats, cowpeas, cover crop. 

2d year — Cotton. 

3d year — Corn and cowpeas. 
Four-Year Cotton Planter's Rotation. 

1st year — Cotton, followed by cover crop. 

2d year — Corn and cowpeas. 

3d year — Oats and Japan clover. 

4th year— Japan clover. 

Liming is often necessary in order to get a satisfactory crop 

of clover. 

55 



Guide in the Establishment of a Rotation 

The table on page 61 was prepared with a view to furnishing 
a practical guide during the establishment of the five-year gen- 
eral farming rotation. The spring of the year 1914 is taken as 
the commencement of the project and it is assumed that the 
land is in an ordinary state of fertility. According to this plan 
the rotation will not be in full operation until 1916, at least two 
years being required to accomplish this result. 

It will be seen that after the establishment of the rotation 
— 1916 and later — a change is made in the commercial fertilizers, 
both for corn and for the small-grain crop. This change consists 
in the omission of both the cottonseed meal and the muriate of 
potash. In the case of the rye, the manure would much more 
than replace these two ingredients and the residues from the 
clover and grass would be expected to furnish an appreciable 
supply of nitrogen for the corn which follows. Also in case of 
freshly cleared land neither meal nor potash salt is advised from 
the outset. Also, attention is called to the fact that in the 
experiments at the Jackson Station little or no increase has been 
obtained from phosphates of any kind. 

Middle Tennessee 

Middle Tennessee has the Central Limestone Basin, the blue- 
grass area, where all the crops can be successfuUly grown. Here 
are the phosphate beds of Tennessee, and a great deal of the soil 
has this important plant food in abundance, and in addition it 
has an abundance of potash. Long-continued croppings have 
exhausted the soil supply of lime, but practically the entire area 
has outcroppings of high-grade limestone, and this can be had 
at a low cost. This section is devoted to growing the small 
grains, corn, sorghum, grasses, and clover. Much attention 
is devoted to stock raising for the markets, and more attention 
is being paid to this important class of farming each year. Both 
cotton and tobacco can be grown, but experience has shown that 
farmers can ma.ke better returns from other kinds of farming. 

In this section rational rotations, with winter cover crops, are 
being generally adopted by the farmers. More attention is 
being paid each year to stock raising and dairying, and the use of 
stable manure and winter-growing legumes for green manure is 

66 



rapidly restoring the original fertility. This soil, with its red clay 
subsoil, is readily responsive to kind treatment. Some of the 
soils need acid phosphate, and practically all need lime, but the 
potash content is ample for many generations. 

HIGHLAND RIM 

Parts of the Highland Rim section of Middle Tennessee have 
long been regarded as too poor for profitable farming, and only 
in the last few years has a plan of rotation and fertilization been 
worked out which will make them among the best farm invest- 
ments in the State. The section, as a whole, is admirably 
adapted to the growing of tobacco, producing yields not ex- 
ceeded by those of any other section. Other crops, such as corn, 
small grains, clovers, soy beans and cowpeas, can be produced 
in paying quantities when attention is paid to fertilizing and lim- 
ing these soils. 

These soils are divided into practically two classes. One is a 
dark-red, or chocolate-colored, soil with red clay subsoil. This 
has an ample supply of potash, and with the liming of the soil 
and use of acid phosphate to fertilize the clovers, either to be 
turned under or fed and the manure saved and spread, is 
rapidly restored to its original fertility and produces large crops 
of corn, the small grains, grasses and clovers. It is well 
adapted to alfalfa, and several thousand acres are growing in 
this section, producing 3 to 5 tons per acre each year. When 
properly handled, there are few more productive lands anywhere 
than these dark-red lands of the Highland Rim. 

The gray soil is not so good, but responds to good treatment. 
Lime, with an application of 200 pounds of 16% acid phos- 
phate and about 20 pounds muriate of potash per acre to fertilize 
for the legumes, which should either be fed and the manure 
spread on the ground, r)r turned under as a green-manure crop, 
rapidly brings these soils to a profitable producing basis. 

A system of crop rotations has been worked out, which if 
followed will prove profitable and at the same time improve the 
fertility of the soil. 

57 



List of Rotations 
A — General Farming — Five-Year Rotation 

1st year — Corn, followed by winter cover crop for pasture and 
green manure. 

2d year — Cowpeas or soy beans. 
3d year — Wheat or other small grain. 
4th year — Clover and grass. 
5th year — Clover and grass. 

B — Green Manure and Grain — Three- Year Rotation 

1st year — Corn, followed by winter cover crop for pasture and 
green manure. 

2d year — Cowpeas or soy beans. 

3d year — Wheat, followed by crimson clover for green ma- 
nure. 

NOTE — A most excellent rotation wherever crimson clover does well. 

C — General Farming — Three-Year Rotation {or Longer if 

Desired) 
1st year — Corn. 
2d year — Wheat. 
3d year — Clover, or clover and grass for one or more years. 

NOTE — This is a well-known rotation, which has been followed successfully in many in 
stances, but under average conditions Rotation A is considered to be decidedly preferable. 

D — Pasture for Hogs — Two- Year Rotation 

1st year — Corn and cowpeas. 

2d year — Rye, sown in fall, and alsike or red clover, sown in 
spring. 

E — -Pasture for Hogs — Two- Year Rotation 

1st year — Red or alsike clover and barley. 
2d year — Soy beans or cowpeas. 



68 



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Guide in the Establishment of a Rotation 

A table has been prepared with a view to furnishing a 
practical guide during the establishment of the five-year general 
farming rotation. The spring of the year 1914 is taken as the 
commencement of the project and it is assumed that the land is 
in an ordinary state of fertility. According to this plan the ro- 
tation will not be in full operation until 1916, at least two years 
being required to accomplish this result. 

It may be noted that after the establishment of the rotation 
— 1916 and later — a change is made in the commercial fertilizers, 
both for corn and for the small-grain crop. This change consists 
in the omission of both the cottonseed meal and the muriate of 
potash. In the case of the rye, the manure would much more 
than replace these two ingredients and the residues from the 
clover and grass would be expected to furnish an appreciable 
supply of nitrogen for the corn which follows. Also, in case of 
freshly cleared land, neither meal nor potash salt is advised from 
the outset. 

Notes on Table 

1. The liming may be done earlier than directed in the table. 
In fact, although especially beneficial to clover, liming is apt to 
increase the yield of any of the crops to an appreciable extent. 
According to experimental evidence, two tons of ground lime- 
stone will be ample for at least five years, and possibly for 
twice that length of time. 

2. The acid phosphate and muriate of potash should always 
be applied before planting the crop for which they are especially 
intended, and give best results when applied in the row for crops 
planted in rows. For broadcast-sown crops these materials may 
be applied broadcast before the land is turned, or may either be 
drilled in afterward or scattered broadcast and well harrowed 
into the soil. 

3. As a cover crop after corn, to prevent loss during the win- 
ter, choice may be had of wheat, rye, crimson clover, and hairy 
vetch. Crimson clover is an ideal crop in some respects, but 
requires a fairly fertile soil in order to thrive. Even then, when 
sown in corn at the last working, it is apt to be killed before 

60 



winter by dry, hot weather. Rye would help to hold the crim- 
son clover from freezing out during the winter, and the mixture 
may be sown considerably later than crimson clover alone. 
Hairy vetch can be sown later than crimson clover and any 
time during September is favorable, provided the soil-moisture 
supply is good. If sown in early October it is apt to go through 
the winter. Like crimson clover, it may be sown with either rye 
or wheat. Rye can be sown later than wheat and makes the 
earliest spring growth. 

The cover crop should be turned under at an early stage 
of growth — in the case of rye and wheat not later than when in 
boot; but for crimson clover and vetch when in early bloom. 
Attention is called to the fact that vetch makes only a small 
growth during the fall, winter, and early spring, and is a vigorous 
grower only after warm weather comes in the spring ; so that to 
get the most good out of this crop for green-manure purposes it 
must remain on the land later by several weeks than either of 
the others, or until about the middle of May. This would not, 
however, be a serious objection, as either cowpeas or soy beans 
can be planted to advantage after this date. 

4. The manure is advised as a top-dressing on the wheat for 
the special purpose of getting a good stand of clover and grass 
from a spring seeding. If the land is of such quality that the 
manure is not needed for this purpose it may well be applied for 
the corn crop, which offers a greater possible increase in grain 
than the wheat. 

In the absence of manure an extra amount of both the phos- 
phate and potash is advised. 

5. Either red or alsike clover may be used, and a mixture of 
the two is sometimes advisable. Alsike when sown in late 
summer or early fall would be expected to produce an appreciable 
part of the hay crop of the next two years, but red clover is apt 
to disappear after the first year. When spring-sown, one lasts 
about as long as the other, provided the red clover disease, which 
does not afifect the alsike, is not serious. 

In the case of a failure of clover, in the spring following the 
seeding, an application of 100 pounds per acre of nitrate of soda 
may be made to advantage for the grass, and should be applied 
as early in March as the spring growth begins. 

61 



In case of a poor stand of both clover and grass at the begin- 
ning of the second year, a seeding of 25 pounds per acre of Japan 
clover (Lespedeza) about the first of April is recommended. 

6. For the red-colored soils of limestone origin the same fer- 
tilizers, etc., may be used, except that the potash can be reduced 
by one-half. 

CUMBERLAND PLATEAU 

The Cumberland Plateau is the least developed of all; yet 
with the addition of liberal applications of lime and phosphate 
these can be made to yield good crops. The soils of the Cum- 
berland Plateau are mainly fine sandy loams. This kind of soil 
is easily cultivated, allows an excess of water to escape readily, 
is adapted to a great variety of crops, and contains enough clay 
to make it retentive of manure and fertilizer. This section is 
well adapted to fruits, forage crops, and Irish and sweet potatoes. 
This is considered the best section in Tennessee for the growing 
of Irish potatoes. 

Analyses of these soils show a deficiency of phosphoric acid 
and nitrogen, the phosphorus can be cheaply supplied and the 
nitrogen produced by growing legumes and turning them under 
or feeding and returning the manure to the soil. 

Most of the plateau section remains to be cleared, and there 
appears no reason why the new lands should not be put at once 
under a rotation that, with the aid of liming, phosphating and 
the careful saving and use of farmyard manure, will maintain a 
high state of productiveness. Generally speaking, a long 
rotation, covering a period of five or more years, is better than a 
short two- or three-year rotation. The first rotation given below 
is the best adapted for the Cumberland Plateau. 

List of Rotations 
I. General Farming — Five-Y ear Rotation 
1st year — Corn, followed by winter cover crop of rye for pas- 
ture and green manure. 

2d year — Cowpeas or soy beans. 

3d year — Rye or other small grain. 

4th year — Clover and grass. 

5th year — Clover and grass. 

Note — Potatoes could be introduced the 5th year after clover 

instead of clover and grass. 

62 



2. General Farming — Four-Y ear Rotation 
1st year — Corn^ — rye cover crop. 
2d year — Sorghum and peas sown broadcast. 
3d year — Clover and grass. 
4th year — Clover and grass. 

J. Potato Grower's Four- Year Rotation 

1st year — Potatoes, followed by cowpeas and millet for hay. 

Note — The hay crop is sown at last working of the potatoes 
and is harvested before the potatoes are dug. 

2d year — Spring oats and Canadian field peas, followed by 
buckwheat, with which clover and grass are seeded. 

3d year — Clover and grass. 

4th year — Clover and grass. 

This is a rotation practiced by Mr. O. H. Overdell on recently 
cleared land near Crossville. 

4. Potato Grower s Three-Y ear Rotation 
1st year — Cowpeas, hogged off and followed by rye cover 
crop for pasture. 

2d year — Potatoes, followed by rye cover crop for pasture. 
3d year — Corn, with cowpeas and rye sown at last cultivation. 

Guide in the Establishment of a Rotation 

A table has been prepared with a view to furnishing a 
practical guide during the establishment of the five-year general 
farming rotation. The spring of the year 1914 is taken as the 
commencement of the project and it is assumed that the land is 
in an ordinary state of fertility. According to this plan the ro- 
tation will not be in full operation until 1916, at least two years 
being required to accomplish this result. 

It may be noted that after the establishment of the rotation 
— 1916 and later — a change is made in the use of commercial ferti- 
lizers, both for corn and for the small-grain crop. This change 
consists in the omission of both the cottonseed meal and the 
muriate of potash. In the case of the rye, the mahure would 
much more than replace these two ingredients and the residues 
from the clover and grass would be expected to furnish an appre- 
ciable supply of nitrogen for the corn which follows. Also, in 
case of freshly cleared land neither meal or potash salt is advised 
from the outset. 

63 






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East Tennessee 

East Tennessee, with Its varied soils, is especially adapted to 
general farming and stock raising, but truck crops, strawberries 
in particular, have proven profitable. Peaches, early apples, 
etc., can be raised to advantage on the ridges and higher hills. 
These lands nearly all respond to phosphate and lime. All the 
farm crops, such as corn, small grains, grasses, clover and alfalfa, 
do well under favorable conditions. Considerable attention is 
given to cattle raising. In the vicinity of the mountains the free 
grazing lands which are accessible during the summer months 
can be utilized to great advantage, the cattle being carried 
through the winter on corn fodder and winter pasture. Most 
of the cattle are sold to be finished at other points, but some of 
the more progressive farmers have built silos and finish their 
beef cattle ready for the markets. 

A great many strawberries are produced each year in East 
Tennessee, besides considerable quantities of the various garden 
crops. 

Proper crop rotations, with the use of phosphate and lime 
for the legumes, will readily build up most of the East Tennessee 
soils to a high state of productiveness. Any of the general farm 
crop rotations recommended for the Highland Rim are good for 
East Tennessee conditions. As a matter of fact, better farm 
practice prevails generally over East Tennessee than in other 
sections of the State. 

FRUITS 

Tennessee offers all the conditions necessary to successful 
fruit culture — proper soil, climate, drainage and altitude. These, 
combined with scientific methods, produce as fine fruit as can 
be grown in any part of the world. Apples, peaches, pears, 
plums, grapes, strawberries, are grown in great abundance, 
though there is no reason why the production can not be largely 
increased. Tennessee is the real home of the grape. They are 
found in large quantities in their wild state, while the varieties 
usually grown in the Temperate Zone are very prolific. Vine- 
yards demand no more attention here than elsewhere, while the 
yield is all that could be desired. In West Tennessee is what is 
known as the strawberry belt, and the growers place the crop 

65 



on the Northern markets at the least possible cost. Strawberries 
of superior quality are also grown in Middle and East Tennessee. 
Berries of every variety are successfully grown. Wild black- 
berries and dewberries are plentiful. Ample transportation 
facilities enable the shipments to compete in point of time with 
the most favored localities. Tennessee is also known as a great 
peach State, and it is seldom indeed that there is a complete 
failure of this crop. Growers are turning their attention to ap- 
ples in all divisions of the State. A yield of twenty to thirty- 
five bushels of apples to the tree is by no means unusual. 

ADVANTAGES TO THE SETTLER 

Tennessee to-day ofters many advantages to the prospective 
settler, in the way of reasonably priced lands, good climate, 
ample rainfall and long growing season. 

The information in this pamphlet is compiled from official 
bulletins issued by the College of Agriculture, University of 
Tennessee, and can be depended upon. The farmers of this 
State have at their command the services of this College, and in 
addition, under the Division of Extension, a majority of the 
counties have county agents who are educated and trained to 
give the farmers in the section where located the benefit of accu- 
rate information as to agricultural questions. 

Tennessee will welcome the settler who desires to make 
his home within her borders. She needs young men to assist 
in developing her natural resources. Opportunity is here, and 
awaits the ambitious farmer who is seeking a location. 

The following data compiled from the United States Depart- 
ment of Agriculture Yearbook for 1914 give some very interest- 
ing information. They show that of the main crops grown in 
Tennessee the values per acre equal those in most of the states, 
and on some commodities, such as barley and hay, they are higher 
than any. By good farming, the yield per acre in Tennessee can 
be brought to the top, and on account of her closeness to the good 
markets her farm products will always command a good price: 



66 



Corn, Bushels 



Tcnn. 


A"y. 


III. 


Ind. 


Iowa 


Neb. 


Mich. 


Kas. 


24.9 

24. 
$15.82 
16.32 


27.6 
25. 
$16.00 
16.00 


34.8 
29. 
$16.82 
17.69 


37.1 
33. 

$18.57 
19.14 


34.9 
38. 

$17.17 
20.90 


25.3 

24.5 

$10.49 

12.98 


33.7 
36. 

$20.91 
24.12 


19.9 

18.5 

$ 8.21 

11.66 


11.1 

15.5 

$12.21 

16,28 


12.6 
16.5 

$12.71 
17.00 


16. 

18.5 

$13.90 

18.68 


16. 

17.4 

$13.66 

17.92 


17.4 

18.6 

$16.25 

17.86 


17.9 

18.6 

$13.43 

17.67 


16.4 

19.7 

$15.07 

20.29 


14.1 

20.5 

$12.76 

19.48 


21.2 
23. 
$10.77 
12; 19 


21.3 
21. 
$10.74 
11 .13 


31.5 

29.3 

$11.68 

12.89 


29. 
28.5 
$11.15 
12.26 


31.9 
33. 

$11.57 
13.53 


25.3 
32. 

$ 8.80 
12.80 


30.8 
33.5 

$12.67 
15.08 


24.9 
33 5 

$10^42 
14.07 


24.3 
27. 

$20.81 
22.14 


25.8 

28.5 

$20.09 

21.94 


29. 
29.5 

$18.44 
18.00 


25.7 
25. 
$16.39 
16.75 


26.2 
26. 

$16.21 
14.30 


21.3 

23.5 

$ 8.61 

11.04 


25.2 
26. 
$16.88 
16.90 


17.2 
24.5 

$ 7.48 
11.52 


1.37 
1.20 

$19.20 
20.40 


1.20 
.95 

$15.95 
15.20 


1.20 

.85 

$14.47 

12.24 


1.24 

1.00 

$15.02 

14.10 


1.39 

1.38 

$12.31 

13.94 


1.39 

1.69 

$10.36 

11.66 


1.29 

1.28 

$16.68 

15.36 


1.28 

1.51 

$10.24 

11.17 



Wis. 



10 yr. aver., per acre. . 

1914 average 

5-yr. aver. val. per acre 
Value per acre, 1914. . . 

Wheat, Bushels 

10-yr. aver., per acre. . 

1914 average 

5-yr. aver. val. per acre 
Value per acre, 1914. . . 

Oats, Bushels 

10-yr. aver., per acre. . 

1914 average 

5-yr. aver. val. per acre 
Value per acre, 1914. . . 

Barley, Bushels 

10-yr. aver., per acre . 

1914 average 

5-yr. aver. val. per acre 
Value per acre, 1914. . . 

Hay, Tons 

10-yr. aver., per acre . . 

1914 average 

5-yr. aver. val. per acre 
Value per acre, 1914. . . 



36.3 

40.5 

$21.50 

26.32 



17.7 

19.1 

$16.55 

19.10 



32.5 
27. 

512.12 
11.61 



27.5 
27.3 
»7.98 
16.93 



1.49 

1.75 

$17.49 

16.28 



Constructive live stock breeding is being carried on all over 
Tennessee. Herds of pure-bred cattle, both milk and beef, are 
being established, and the value of farm animals is rapidly in- 
creasing. Foundation studs of Percherons have been established 
for the purpose of furnishing stallions to Tennessee farmers at 
reasonable prices, to be used in producing a heavier type of farm 
horses and mares. A foundation herd of milking Shorthorns has 
been started by the College of Agriculture, and the bull calves 
from this herd will be available to communities interested in 
improved cattle. 

Below is a statement secured from the United States Depart- 
ment of Agriculture, showing number and value of farm animals 
in Tennessee in 1914: 

Number Value 

Horses 346,000 $40,136,000 

Mules 270,000 34,290,000 

Milch cows 355,000 14,555,000 

Other catUe 503,000 11 ,267,000 

Sheep 674,000 2,494,000 

Hogs 1,501,000 11,708,000 

The spirit of cooperation between the railroads, banks, busi- 
ness men, and the College of Agriculture, Division of E.xtension, 

67 



Department of Agriculture and the farmers is well developed 
and all are working hand in hand for the agricultural development 
of the State. 

The Department of Agriculture will gladly give any informa- 
tion it has as to localities, prices of land, or other data. 

Acknowledgment is hereby made for courtesies shown by 
members of faculty. College of Agriculture, University of Ten- 
nessee, and to Mr. A. D. Knox, Assistant Agricultural Agent 
of the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway. 

If interested, write 

H. K. Bryson, 

Commissio7ier of Agriculture. 

Nashville, Tenn. 




68 



A Tennessean's Creed 

I BELIEVE IN TENNESSEE 

— the home of more than two million people, through 
whose veins flow the purest of Anglo-Saxon blood, 
and whose ancestors, by deeds of valor, made a glo- 
rious history. 

—a State where capital and labor work side by side in 
harmonious relation; where every home is a king- 
dom, and each child a priceless jewel. 

— where the cold breeze of the north meets the warm 
zephyrs of the south, making a salubrious climate 
in which it is a pleasure to live. 

—with her hills studded with giant forests, beneath 
whose roots are found an inexhaustible store of 
minerals and valuable ores. 

— on whose blue grass hills graze live stock in lordly 
herds and unnumbered flocks, and whose fertile 
fields contribute liberally to the markets of the 
world. 

— I love the music of her industries, where the buzz 
of the saw, the hum of the spindle, the roar of the 
furnace, blend in wonderful harmony. 
To me, citizenship in Tennessee is a privilege, and 
during the years to come I shall co-operate in mak- 
ing the State bigger and better by being a true, 
loyal and enthusiastic Tennessean. 



69 



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